The shahadah (شهادة (help·info) translit: Shahādah) (Turkish: Şehadet) is the Islamic creed. In Arabic it means "to testify" or "to bear witness". The shahadah is the declaration of I'man (belief) in the oneness of God (Allah in Arabic) and in Prophet Muhammad as his last messenger. Recitation of the shahadah is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam by Sunni Muslims.

Arabic text:

لآ اِلَـهَ اِلاَّ لله محمد رسول الله

English translations:

There is no god (ilah) but God (Allah); Muhammad is His messenger/ spokesman.

A single honest recitation of the shahādah in Arabic, in front of two Muslim witnesses, is all that is required for a person to become a Muslim according to most traditional schools.

Some Shi'a Muslims add Alīyun wali Allah (Ali is the vicegerent of God) at the end of the shahada. This is not compulsory for Shi'a; it is a matter of personal choice, although most Ayatollahs say it is preferable to add it.